Ever wondered what the best used cars for under £5,000 are? Before we delve into that, let me tell you that this price point offers an excellent opportunity to hit the road without breaking the bank. These cars are still in good shape, having benefited from previous maintenance, but without the burden of heavy depreciation.
Surprisingly, there is a remarkable selection available at this price, including some of the best used SUVs in the UK. These SUVs may be slightly older or have higher mileage, but they offer incredible value for money. In fact, all of these options cost less than the deposit required for a new or nearly-new car on a typical PCP finance deal. You could even save more by choosing one of the more cost-effective models instead of committing to long-term monthly payments. So, take a look at our list of used cars for sale and see what’s available in your area.
The Best Used Cars for Under £5,000 in 2023
Editor’s Choice: Skoda Yeti
The Skoda Yeti is a timeless, practical, and thoroughly interesting family car. Chunky, practical, and roomy, it’s a brilliant SUV that excels in its purpose.
Pros✅
- Punchy and frugal diesel engines
- Reliable and well-built
- Roomy interior
Cons❌
- Some well-documented engine issues
- Residual resistance to the Skoda badge
The Skoda Yeti was a top choice for a family SUV long before they became popular. Its simple Volkswagen technology ensures that it’s both cheap to run and dependable. If you’re looking to spend around £5,000, you can get a 2014 Elegance model powered by the excellent 1.2-litre TSI petrol engine, which offers good performance and fuel economy.
Volkswagen Golf Mk6 (2009-2013)
The Volkswagen Golf Mk6 is the benchmark family hatchback and offers a wide range of options. With its solid, well-built interior and economical Bluemotion version, it provides plenty of choices for your money.
Pros✅
- Solid, well-built interior
- Economical Bluemotion version
- Lots of choices for your money
Cons❌
- Lacks the rock-solid reliability of the Mk7
- Expensive compared to its closest rivals
If you’re not interested in a Ford Focus and prefer a VW badge on your car, the Golf Mk6 is an excellent choice. Although the Golf Mk7 is more popular, the older Mk6 still offers great value. With various models available, from low-powered petrols to super-economical Blue Motion versions and the ever-popular GTI, you have plenty of choices. A 2013 2.0 TDI GT model is likely to be the most reliable and enjoyable option within your budget.
Jaguar XF (2008-2015)
The Jaguar XF is an elegant executive saloon and estate that’s reliable and enjoyable to drive. With its supreme comfort and nice driving dynamics, it’s a perfect choice for keen drivers.
Pros✅
- Supremely comfortable
- Nice to drive
- Reliability of petrol models
Cons❌
- Diesel unreliability
- Rear seat space is a little cramped
The first-generation XF is a well-built and reliable car, especially when equipped with Jaguar’s strong and reliable petrol engines. Petrol XFs are more sought after and offer better value than diesel versions. For around £5,000, you can get a 2011 XF V6 in Luxury form, providing you with a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.
Ford Focus Mk3 (2011-2018)
The Ford Focus Mk3 may not be as desirable as the Golf, but it offers a more engaging driving experience. With its reliability and sharp steering, it’s a roomy and good-looking car that’s excellent to drive.
Pros✅
- Reliable and dependable
- Excellent diesel version
- Sharp steering and roadholding
Cons❌
- Interior filled with buttons
- Early Ecoboost engine issues
The Ford Focus Mk3 is highly regarded and was consistently Britain’s best-selling family car. With its sharp steering, tight handling, and great fuel economy, it offers an enjoyable driving experience. For your £5,000 budget, a low-mileage 2015 1.0-litre EcoBoost version in Zetec trim would be a great choice. If you drive longer distances regularly, consider the 1.6-litre diesel version.
Skoda Citigo (2012-2019)
The Skoda Citigo is an affordable city car that’s cheaper than the Volkswagen Up. With its low running costs, practicality, and interior quality, it’s an all-rounder that suits city dwellers perfectly.
Pros✅
- Low running costs
- Practical for its size
- Interior quality
Cons❌
- Limited engine range
- Less cool than the Up!
The Skoda Citigo, along with its SEAT Mii and Volkswagen Up! counterparts, is an ideal choice for city dwellers or first-time car buyers looking for a cost-effective option. With excellent fuel economy and low running costs, it’s a reliable and well-regarded car. With a budget of £5,000, you can easily find a well-equipped SE L version from around 2017, with the 75hp engine offering a perfect balance of power and economy.
Suzuki Swift (2010-2017)
The Suzuki Swift is a quality supermini that’s reliable and enjoyable to drive. With its frugal petrol engine and excellent standard equipment, it’s a great choice for young families.
Pros✅
- Frugal petrol engine
- Excellent standard equipment
- Rugged interior quality
Cons❌
- Very small boot
- Diesel version is unrefined
The Suzuki Swift is a well-built and highly rated car that offers excellent performance and fuel economy. With its small size, it’s perfect for small families who travel light. For around £5,000, you can find a 1.2-litre 2017 SZ3 model with sat-nav that still has plenty of life left. The petrol version is recommended, as the diesel version is noisy and not as enjoyable to drive.
Dacia Duster (2013-2018)
The Dacia Duster is a brilliant family SUV that’s robust and reliable. With its roomy and solidly-built interior, it offers worry-free and cost-effective motoring.
Pros✅
- Roomy and solidly-built interior
- Two- or four-wheel drive available
- Well-proven, reliable technology
Cons❌
- Low-powered petrol versions lack performance
- Many abused examples on the market
The Dacia Duster offers great value for money, especially when buying used. As long as you avoid patchy service histories and choose a well-documented model, you’ll enjoy a reliable SUV. With a budget of £5,000, consider a 2016 Ambiance model powered by the excellent 1.5-litre dCi engine. This option provides good fuel economy, reliability, and towing capability. You might even find a newer Access model, although it lacks basic creature comforts and is better suited for those who prioritize affordability.
Nissan Qashqai Mk1 (2007-2013)
The Nissan Qashqai is a pioneering family crossover that makes perfect sense. Offering excellent practicality, it’s a brilliant alternative to a used hatchback.
Pros✅
- Cheap to run and service
- Two- or four-wheel drive available
- Seven-seater +2 version offered
Cons❌
- Many hard-used examples, so caution is advised
- Less reliable than expected
When the Nissan Qashqai was launched in 2007, it revolutionized the car industry. It offers chunkier SUV-themed looks with practicality that appeals to a wide range of buyers. For less than £2,000, you can find a good example, although it’s important to avoid worn-out options. While the Qashqai’s reliability hasn’t matched Nissan’s previous reputation, running costs and parts prices are still low. For £5,000, you can choose a well-maintained model from 2007-2013 and enjoy the versatility of a crossover.
Vauxhall Insignia (2009-2017)
The Vauxhall Insignia is a hard-working family hatchback that offers plenty of value for your money. With its cheap running costs, good quality interior, and spacious cabin and boot, it’s an excellent choice.
Pros✅
- Cheap to run and service
- Good quality interior
- Spacious cabin and boot
Cons❌
- A Ford Mondeo offers better handling
- Associated with certain fictional characters
Designed primarily as a business tool, the Vauxhall Insignia offers reliable service and good motorway performance. Diesels perform better than petrols, so the 2.0 SRI in 163hp form is recommended for a good mix of performance and economy. With a budget of £5,000, you can easily find a 2015 2.0 CDTi EcoFlex SRI in VX-Line trim, providing you with a well-equipped car that offers great value for your money. Ensure you choose a fully documented model to avoid any potential reliability issues.
Porsche Cayenne (2003-2009)
The Porsche Cayenne is a big and capable SUV that offers excellent value if you choose wisely. With its performance, car-like handling, and roomy interior, it’s a reliable and luxurious choice.
Pros✅
- Performance from V8 and Turbo engines
- Car-like handling for an SUV
- Roomy and great value
Cons❌
- Potential for high maintenance costs
- Poor fuel economy
You might think that buying a nearly 15-year-old Porsche Cayenne is a risk, but with careful selection, it can be a trustworthy choice. Avoid cars with questionable service histories and look for enthusiasts’ well-maintained examples. With a budget of £5,000, you can get a 2007-2008 3.2-litre V6, which offers a spacious SUV with strong performance and the prestige of owning a Porsche. Specialist support is available, ensuring that running costs won’t be a burden. If you’re looking for luxury motoring without the monthly payments of a new car, this is a fantastic option.
Prices mentioned are based on examples found on Parkers Cars for Sale and limited to availability. Similar examples may be on offer.
Parkers Top Buying Tips:
- Use our valuation tool to get an idea of how much you should be paying for a car.
- Check our reviews section for more information about the cars you are interested in.
Now that you have a selection of the best used cars for under £5,000, it’s time to start your search and find the perfect vehicle that fits your needs and budget. Remember to shop around, do your research, and ensure you get a car history check for peace of mind. Happy car hunting!